Plant Kingdom
What is the process by which plants make their own food?
Photosynthesis
What is the primary function of the lungs in mammals?
To exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide with the blood.
What is a rainforest ecosystem known for?
High biodiversity, dense plant life, and year-round warmth and rainfall.
What does the term "endangered species" mean?
An endangered species is one that is at risk of extinction due to factors like habitat loss, hunting, and environmental changes.
Which plant is known for "sleeping" at night by closing its leaves?
Mimosa pudica (Sensitive plant)
Name the plant structure where photosynthesis takes place.
Chloroplasts
Name the largest animal on Earth.
Blue whale
Name the two types of freshwater ecosystems.
Lakes and rivers (also ponds, wetlands)
Which international organization monitors endangered species?
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
Which animal can regrow its limbs after losing them?
Axolotl (a type of salamander)
What are the main differences between monocots and dicots?
Monocots have one seed leaf (cotyledon), while dicots have two. Monocots also have parallel-veined leaves, while dicots have net-veined leaves.
What is the difference between a vertebrate and an invertebrate?
Vertebrates have a backbone (spine), while invertebrates do not.
What is the role of decomposers in an ecosystem?
Decomposers break down dead organic matter, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem.
What is one of the main causes of habitat loss for wildlife?
Deforestation, urbanization, agriculture, or climate change.
What is the fastest land animal on Earth?
Cheetah
What is the role of roots in a plant?
Roots anchor the plant to the soil and absorb water and nutrients.
What is a keystone species, and why is it important?
A keystone species is one that has a disproportionately large impact on its ecosystem, often influencing the structure and diversity of the community.
How does climate change affect marine ecosystems?
Climate change leads to ocean acidification, temperature rises, coral bleaching, and habitat loss, which all affect marine species.
What is the purpose of the IUCN Red List?
The IUCN Red List evaluates the conservation status of species and helps raise awareness about species at risk of extinction.
Which tree is the oldest known living organism?
Bristlecone pine (Pinus longaeva)
Name one plant that is considered a carnivorous species.
Venus flytrap, Pitcher plant, or Sundew
Which animal has the longest lifespan in the animal kingdom?
The ocean quahog clam (Arctica islandica), which can live over 500 years.
Define the term “biodiversity” and explain why it is important.
Biodiversity refers to the variety of life in a given ecosystem or on Earth as a whole. It is important because it ensures ecosystem stability, resilience, and the provision of ecosystem services like pollination and clean air.
Name one species that has been successfully brought back from the brink of extinction.
The California condor, the Przewalski's horse, or the Arabian oryx.
What is the name of the largest living organism in the world?
The honey fungus (Armillaria ostoyae) in Oregon, which spans over 2,385 acres.